How to Dial In "I Am Hell (Sonata in C#)" by Machine Head - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "I Am Hell (Sonata in C#)"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Unto the Locust (2011). Unto the Locust is the seventh studio album by American heavy metal band Machine Head, released in Australia on September 23, in the UK on September 26 and worldwide on September 27, 2011. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP E-II Eclipse through Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, the nearest rig to the one documented for Machine Head, stands in. Set the amp to a driven crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in a custom tuning (C♯ F♯ B E G♯ C♯, low to high).
Common Questions About the "I Am Hell (Sonata in C#)" Tone
What guitar did Machine Head use on "I Am Hell (Sonata in C#)"?
The guitar on "I Am Hell (Sonata in C#)" (released 2011) isn't documented; the ESP E-II Eclipse above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Custom tuning, so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "I Am Hell (Sonata in C#)" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6.5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, Volume 7.5. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "I Am Hell (Sonata in C#)" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "I Am Hell (Sonata in C#)" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "I Am Hell (Sonata in C#)" by Machine Head are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.